For the first time, a member of Hinduism's lowest class - once called untouchables - will become president of India.
Vice President K.R. Narayanan collected 4,231 votes in the balloting by federal and state lawmakers Monday. His nearest rival, former election commissioner T.N. Seshan, got 240, Indian news media reported. The ballots were not counted until Friday.Narayanan, 76, is the first member of Hinduism's lowest class to hold the largely ceremonial office. He will be sworn in July 25.
"I am feeling very humble," Narayanan said. "But I am confident that the people, parliament and legislators have full confidence in me."
His election came amid caste violence in India, where rioting last week left 10 people dead in Bombay. Friday, a 17-year-old died when police fired on low-caste protesters in western India.
Hinduism, the religion practiced by most Indians, divides society into four castes, plus a fifth, lowliest class commonly called Dalits, or "oppressed people."
A century ago, when Indians like Narayanan were known as untouchables, brushing against such a person or even glancing at one was considered enough to defile a Hindu of status.
Although today it is illegal to discriminate against Dalits, few have risen as far as Narayanan. Most remain at the bottom of society, performing its most menial roles.
Narayanan was able to get a college education in part because of financial help from a fund set up by independence leader Mohandas Gandhi, who championed the cause of India's lowest classes.
Narayanan, who served as vice president the past five years, is one of the few politicians untainted by scandal at a time when courts are hearing cases of corruption and financial irregularities by top Indian officials.
Though the president has few powers, the post has taken on greater importance recently as India grapples with shaky governing coalitions.
When no single party commands a parliamentary majority, the president decides who should lead the next government. He also is able to dismiss a government deemed unstable.